SANTA CLARA -- Cornerback Carlos Rogers returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since he suffered a hamstring injury in the 49ers regular-season finale.

Rogers missed the 49ers playoff games against the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers while he rehabilitated his hamstring.

At one point Wednesday, Rogers sprinted downfield, leaped for a high pass and landed awkwardly, all without showing any lingering effects from his injury.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said last week that he won't play Rogers in a game unless Rogers practices beforehand. Therefore, the progress shown by Rogers today bodes well for his playing Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.

San Francisco 49ers' Carlos Rogers (22) breaks up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints' wide receiver Adrian Arrington (87) in the NFC divisional playoff game in the third quarter at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012. (Nhat V. Meyer/Staff)
(Nhat V. Meyer)

In other news, fullback Will Tukuafu still hasn't been cleared to take part in full-team drills at practice. He worked on an adjacent field with a team trainer Wednesday while sporting a sizable brace on his left knee.

Tukuafu got hurt early in the 49ers playoff victory over the Panthers last Sunday and missed the remainder of the game. He underwent an MRI on Monday, though the results haven't been announced to the media.

If Tukuafu can't play Sunday, the 49ers likely will use Anthony Dixon and regular tight end Vance McDonald at fullback.